INSPIRATION
COMRADES Memories
We took a trip down memory lane as we chatted to two stalwart legends of the Comrades Marathon, well-known Pietermaritzburg businessman Poobie Naidoo, and 1992 women’ s winner Frances van Blerk. – BY ELRICA HENNING
Poobie Naidoo
Newspaper clippings from Poobie Naidoo’ s early running days
Active Years: 1978 to 2009 Medals: 24( 11 Silver, 11 Bronze, 2 Vic Clapham)
Green Number: 4026 Best Time: 6:07:19( 1986)
CM: You established Poobie Naidoo’ s Sports Wholesalers more than 35 years ago. What made you decide to open a shoe store?
PN: At the time that I got started in running, I was unable to afford a decent pair of new running shoes. I would continually have to buy second-hand shoes that were often already worn out. It was then that I decided to work towards opening a store that would be affordable for athletes from all walks of life.
CM: You completed the Comrades Marathon 24 times. What made you decide to tackle this gruelling race, and what motivated you to keep running?
PN: I’ ve always been motivated to be the best that I can be, which led me to enter my first race. It was exhilarating. Running and competing became my newest addiction, and I wanted to test the limits of my abilities. What better way to do so than with the Ultimate Human Race?
CM: Tell us more about that day when you finished your first Comrades Marathon in 1978.
PN: I’ ll never forget the feeling of entering the stadium and hearing the crowd roaring. It’ s like nothing I had ever experienced. I had finally achieved my goal. I possessed the physical and mental strength to persevere, a lesson that carried me through my life and future races.
CM: You started running during the Apartheid years, but your first Comrades was after it had been opened to all races. How did you experience the race in those years?
PN: People of colour were discriminated against at almost every step of the Comrades journey, and I was part of a group of runners that had our numbers listed after we participated in an armband protest during one of the races. When the race opened up to everyone in 1975, the whole atmosphere changed. The level of excitement and camaraderie between athletes was phenomenal.
CM: You also ran the Comrades in the early 1980s, when television took South Africa by storm and the full race started to be broadcasted. What do you remember about those years?
PN: I recall it being quite the shock to have cameras everywhere. It brought a new level of exposure and excitement to the race. It was almost as though you could feel the viewers right there with you. It also definitely introduced an extra level of pressure, but also extra motivation. In later years, when I stopped running, I loved being able to tune in to the race and be kept updated throughout the day.
CM: I would imagine you’ ve taken some life lessons from your Comrades experiences?
PN: The Comrades has allowed me to form valuable connections and friendships that continue to this day, but it’ s actually my incomplete races that have taught me the most. That taught me the value of determination and perseverance, and not to let failure be my story, or stop me from trying again.
Frances van Blerk
Women’ s Winner 1992
Active Years: 1987 to 2013 Medals: 22( 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 5 Bill Rowan, 14 Bronze)
Green Number: 18365 Best Time: 6:51:05( 1992)
Frances van Blerk wins the 1992 Comrades Marathon
Frances at the Comrades Centenary celebrations in 2021
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CM: What inspired you to take on your first Comrades in 1987?
FvB: A former student roommate called me at the end of 1986 and told me she was planning to run Comrades in 1987. Having watching it on TV, it was my burning desire to be part of the race, so we agreed to run together. I just wanted to run it once, to feel what it was like, and ended up doing 22!
CM: We noticed that you own a funky pair of golden tekkies. Would you say you are a bit of a fashion diva?
FvB: Haha, I just love funky tekkies, can’ t resist them. I like to dress up, but I like to be in my running gear as well.
CM: on the topic of shoes, what did you wear when you won the Comrades in 1992?
FvB: When I started running, Johnny Halberstadt had a shoe store in Johannesburg and was well known for recommending the correct running shoe for your running style. He recommended Nike Pegasus for me, which I still run with today.
CM: You’ re a former winner, so you inspire many, but which women stand out for you, those that have left an indelible mark on the race?
FvB: Frith van der Merwe, winner in 1988, 1989
and 1991. Her achievements were ahead of her time.
CM: What words of inspiration do you have for women who are dreaming of winning the Comrades?
FvB: Keep on dreaming! Go for it – If you dream it, you can do it!
CM: What important lesson have you learnt over the years while running the Comrades?
FvB: It doesn’ t matter where you start, but where you finish.
CM: If you could travel back in time and chat to Comrades Marathon founder Vic Clapham, what would you say to him?
FvB: Congratulations on his brilliant idea, that has enriched so many athletes’ lives throughout the years.
About the Author Elrica Henning is the Museum Curator at Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg.
Images: Courtesy Athletes & Comrades Marathon Museum